In 1953, a wealthy boat privateer named Achille Castoldi was determined to set world speed record on water.  He commissioned an 800kg-class three-point hydroplane hull.  For the engine, he turned to the new up and comers of the auto racing scene – Scuderia Ferrari.

Ferrari supplied Castoldi with a type 375 V-12 Grand Prix engine that displaced 4494cc, making 385 brake horse power. This engine could spin the hydroplane's twin bladed propeller at 10,000 rpm!!

At the January 1953 Campione d’Italia races,  prior to the official two-way run, Castoldi piloted his Arno XI to an unofficial top speed in excess of 124mph during the shakedown testing. However, his rival, Mario Verga achieved a speed record of 125.68mph. Two weeks later, Mario Verga surpassed his own record with a two-way top speed of 140.74mph.

In preparation for breaking Verga’s new record, Castoldi had a new engine built. Arno XI’s new methanol burning, twin supercharged 4.5L Ferrari power plant produced 600 brake horse power.

Ferrari sent Stefano Meazza, the chief race engineer, to help prepare the new supercharged engine.  Grand Prix champion Alberto Ascari showed support by attending the event.  On the morning of October 15, 1953, Achille Castoldi succeeded in smashing the 800kg class speed record with an average “flying kilometer” two-way speed of 150.49 mph.  He followed up the performance later that day by setting another record in the “24 nautical miles” event.

This Ferrari hydroplane model features:  

- Scratch-built. 

- Plank-on-frame construction.  

- The hood is wood plank-on-frame.

- Heartwood Honduras Mahogany. 

- 11 layers of paint and varnish.  Each was left to dry and micro sanded before apply another layer.

- Hundreds of brass nails.

- Epoxy waterproof.

Dimension: 31"L x  12" W     $790       S&H is $90

Hood openable for RC conversion  $990   

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